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Apple reports its first self-driving car crash. Are self-driving cars a bad idea?

2/19/2019

 
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Self-driving cars have been all over the news lately, especially because of the minor accidents some of them have experienced. But media coverage of these collisions is a bit sensational. For example, Apple’s first self-driving car crash was widely reported – but most headlines failed to note that Apple’s car was actually rear-ended by a human driver in another vehicle. In that instance, all the humans involved were okay, though the cars did suffer some slight damage.
 
Critics of autonomous cars might point out that the Apple vehicle, a modified Lexus, was traveling less than one mile per hour to merge when it was rear-ended at about fifteen miles per hour.. One of the major concerns people have voiced about these cars is that they tend to drive too cautiously in their attempts to stay safe. For example, they tend to stop abruptly when they think humans might appear, which can lead to rear-end collisions, as aggressive drivers aren’t used to that kind of defensive behavior.
 
On the other hand, the cars do set a good example, and perhaps it’s better that human drivers learn to accommodate overly-cautious vehicles. After all, most car accidents aren’t caused by drivers being too careful on the road. The biggest problem on the horizon for autonomous cars right now is going to be the fact that they have to drive alongside human-operated cars, which come with their own slew of variables. While both are on the road, there are bound to be accidents.
 
With that said, Apple’s self-driving program consists of 66 cars on the roads, with 111 drivers registered to operate them. One accident involving one autonomous vehicle out of countless driving hours is a pretty good track record, all things considered. The average number of car accidents in one year in the United States is six million, and that’s with more than 250 million vehicles on the road, driven by people who are all tired, overworked, distracted, and even intoxicated. As long as an autonomous car can’t get drunk or answer a text while driving, they’ll likely be a much safer mode of transportation.

 

Consumer Reports Issued a List of Must-have Car Features

2/12/2019

 
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If you’re in the market for a new car, it can be hard to choose exactly what you need in a ride. There are so many different makes, models, and years to examine, and each vehicle has its own unique set of features – plus, your needs will vary depending on where you live and whether you have a big family. Most of the time, you’ll have to prioritize which features you consider essential, versus the ones that would just be pretty nice to have.
 
According to Consumer Reports, there are eight features you absolutely need to have in your car. Unsurprisingly, most of them are safety features – after all, safety comes first. The most important feature on their list is automatic emergency braking, which can soften the impact of a collision or even prevent it. They also suggest looking for forward-collision warning (those little alerts that let you know when your car is about to bump into something) and blind-spot warning (so you don’t accidentally sideswipe anyone while changing lanes). They also suggest getting  a vehicle that offers lane-keeping assist, which can track lane markings on the road and provide corrective steering if a driver changes lanes without activating the turn signal.
 
Not everything about a new car has to be practical though. You could also invest in convenience features like a nice audio system with physical knobs, mirrors that automatically adjust for bright lights in the rearview, and a greater range of driver’s seat back support adjustments. While these things may not help prevent a car accident, they’ll help you fight fatigue and discomfort while driving for long periods.
 
There are some features you should definitely skip, and they’re the ones the dealership will try to upsell. Don’t pay extra for bigger wheels – they’re so expensive to replace, and they’ll give you a stiff ride. Also, avoid built-in navigation systems. These can come at a cost, but they don’t really offer anything you don’t already have on your smartphone. A lot of parents may be tempted to invest in features for the kids like rear entertainment units, but in today’s world, it’s easier to just get them a tablet for lengthy trips. 


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